Unsweetened syrup? How is that possible?
Don’t overthink things.
I’ve got the SodaStream. It’s fun! It makes cool noises and is a decent way to mesmerize your dinner guests while mixing their drinks.
Besides entertainment value, it lets you store large quantities of soft drinks in a small area.
What it does *not* do is save you any money. The co2 canister is $50 new or $35 to refill your old one. The large pump syrup flavors are $12 each and make 50 to 60 liters.
So because it doesn’t save you any money, that means that it isn’t a threat to Coke or Pepsi.
They can still profit by selling the syrup. You supply the water, labor, carbonation, and containers.
...or you buy your soft drinks in their cans already made.
When the dust settles, it’s all a wash.